So, my computer is clamoring for service. It says 2/2010.
That's all, no other lights.

I have my wife take it to the dealer. (I had to change jobs
last year and I work out of town) Fortunately, my dealer
opened one down down the road, instead before it was like
110 miles.

She gets there and they say they can't change it because it is
not due until June. They reset the computer to indicate wants
service in June.

Here's the kicker. They changed it last June at 32,000 miles.
I have 49,800 miles now. I'll have at least 56,000 by June.
That's quite a long time for an oil change.....
I have the extended maintenance plan.

Now fortunately, I never agreed with the idea of these
really extended services. BTW, I thought the maintenance was
one year, or when the computer says so, or which ever comes first.
I changed it myself 9000 miles ago. And will change it again, this
weekend. But that will really put me off of cycle, me change once
them change once.

Bottom line: best to keep up with these things yourself that's for sure.

 

You are entitled to an annual oil change. It's in the maintenance manual.

If it's been more than a year since the dealer changed your oil, bring the maintenance manual to the dealership, and read it to them.

If they still won't do a change, get on the phone with MINIUSA, and escalate as needed until they perform the maintenance as per their manual.

 

The same thing happened to mine in February. But I've only got 6k on the ticker, hahaa...
I want to get my oil changed soon. I'll admit I'm afraid of doing it myself because of how picky MINI USA is, I'm afraid I'll do one wrong thing and void my warranty. :/
9 and a half months, no oil change, they say the oil's fine... but I still don't like it having the same oil for so long...

 

Have the dealer change it. A little security for $80 every six months or so (given you drive 1k a month or a little more) can't hurt. It's a lot cheaper than a new engine, I know that

 

Thanks to a very helpful tutorial on NAM, I just changed my oil for the first time. Not just in my MINI, but in any car. Ever... I am female and am very very proud of myself.

Now that I'm done gloating, the oil was waaaay to dark. I've watched my husband change oil on all of our cars and I've never seen it that dark. I waited until the recomended 15000 miles...Never again. I plan to change it every 7500, myself.

Although I don't have the option to take it to a dealer (I'm in Alaska), I say don't worry about it and change it yourself. You'd have to screw up pretty bad to void your warrenty... And if a woman can do it...well, that'll get you to change your oil!

 

You should be proud of yourself Mrs Darcy. Crawling under a MINI with all those snow snakes lurking around in Alaska! You must be very committed to your MINI.
*hat tip*

 

Just to be more clear. I am not really complaining, just more like
????????
Because it seems the purpose of the computer saying it wants service,
is because it is wanting service. So by simply resetting the light, you
defeat the whole idea of having a computer tells you when the car
wants attention.

I might have misunderstood - I thought the idea was once a year,
or when the computer demands service, whichever is less.

But it appears it is the opposite, a year, or when the computer
demands service, which ever is longer.

The bottom line though is I have been changing it like they change it
once, then I change it in the middle of their change.
I definately now feel justified in doing these mid-cycle changes.

But now I'll have like maybe less than 3 months on the oil change
I do this weekend, which is a bit wasteful.
I mean its not that big of a deal money wise I bought a 6 pack of
the filters on sale and the oil is maybe $25, and it only takes
30 minutes. But it seems wasteful.

Better wasteful than to ruin my engine though I agree on that.

 

Those snow snakes won't keep me away, I am committed! I didn't want anyone else touching her...even my husband. Although he was proud of me, I think I hurt his feelings... Thanks for the kudos!

 

I've changed my own oil and am about to do it again. I think if you are careful about the following issues, you shouldn't have any warranty complaints.

1. Use a Genuine MINI oil filter.

2. Use oil that meets BMW LL-01 standard. I'll be using Castrol Syntec 0W-30 European Formula with "Made in Germany" on the bottle. This is supposedly true synthetic, rather than the typical Syntec which is dino oil that is refined to "synthetic" standards. It is also thinner when cold than the MINI 5W-30, so should be easier starting and provide good lubrication earlier.

3. Make sure you empty the engine oil, rather than the transmission. The drain plugs can be confused, if you are not careful. See the DIY thread with pictures.

4. Replace the rubber O-ring with the filter, and torque the filter housing to 18 ft-lbs when replacing it.

5. Always replace the copper crush washer on the drain plug, and torque the plug to 22 ft-lbs. when finished draining.

6. After filling with new oil, check the oil level after it has been run for at least a few minutes. Allow time for the oil to drain back down to the sump from the engine before checking. Many dealers are filling MINIs with 5 qts. which puts the level over the top mark on the dipstick. They seem to be doing this intentionally, and saying not to worry about it when asked. MotoringFile.com posted a rumor sometime ago that the over-filling was due to oiling problems in the engine. So, make sure the level is at least up to the top mark.

 

I have an 09 that I got last June. The service interval count down has always had a number and 03/2010. So now that it is 03 - the mileage is down to 4500 but it says service. Using the computer (read the manual - car running and pressing in on the stalk) I figured out that it is telling me that the state inspection is due (my state doesn't have an inspection - the manual says they are supposed to disable that function if your state doesn't have an annual inspection). So I'd check exactly what service your car thinks it needs and do accordingly. I'm ignoring my warning until annual or miles gone (I have had oil changed during the year and paid for it).

 

I thought so too, but I found out that sometimes when the service indicator goes on the car is not due for an oil change, just an inspection. That happened to me once. Light went on, I scheduled service, and they only changed the brake fluid. I said "what about the oil and filter?". They said not yet, until it's been a year since your last one.

 

not just oil. But also brakes (front and rear) and some other things as well. I don't really remember.

Now for a shamelss plug. The bavairan technics software allows you to "edit" the mileage remaining for the various services. And it doesn't trigger the service counter like resetting the oil interval counter does the "proper" way. The possibilities are endless.

Matt

 

BINGO!

Our state changed the way it does inspections. I will go outside
in a bit but I think it is demanding an inspection.

I did go ahead and change the oil.

In regards to the other posts, I always put in 4.5 qts, and
make sure it is right at the top line.